Vibratory polishing and de-burring device



June 5, 1962 A. K. FERRARA 3,037,327

ORY POLISHING AND DETBURRING DEVICE Filed May 51, 1960 3 Sheets-Sheet l IN VEN TOR.

ATT'YS ACHILLE K. FERRARA BY June 5, 1962 A. K. FERRARA VIBRATORY POLISHING AND DEBURRING DEVICE 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed May 31, 1960 INVENTOR: ACHILLE K. FERRARA XMM ATT'YS June 5, 1962 A. K. FERRARA VIBRATORY POLISHING AND DE-BURRING DEVICE 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed May 31, 1960 INVENTOR: ACHILLE K. FERRARA ATT'YS United States Patent O" 3,037,327 VIBRATORY yOLISI-IING AND DE-BURRENG DEVICE Achille K. Ferrara, 1941 72nd Court, Elmwood Park, Ill. Filed May 31, 1960, Ser. No. 32,838 9 Claims. (Cl. 51-7) This invention relates generally to improvements in vibratory devices of the type which are used for various industrial and commercial operations such as polishing, de-burring, burnishing, and the like. More particularly, the invention relates to motion stimulating mechanisms and means for transmitting the motion from said mechanisms to said devices.

One of the important uses of vibrating devices is for the finishing of various products of manufacture. Thus, in the manufacture of a great variety of small metallic articles such as buttons, templates, knobs, handles, latches, and the like, such devices are advantageously employed to polish, de-burr, burnish, or otherwise finish the article. In general, such vibrating devices comprise a drum and a vibrating mechanism connected thereto. In a typical operation, a substantial number of the particular article to be finished is placed into the drum along with a suitable polishing media. The polishing media may comprise any suitable abrasive agent such as granite, aluminum oxide, sand, chipped marble, steel balls, detergents, etc. :When the vibrating mechanism is operated, the mixture of media and articles is agitated within the drum, resulting in a rubbing action which polishes the articles.

While prior vibratory devices of the type under consideration undoubtedly represented an improvement over earlier machines in which the articles and media were tumbled about, the said devices were nonetheless characterized by a number of disadvantageous features.

Thus, for example, in certain prior devices the motion of the mixture within the drum was so violent that scratching, nicking, denting or other damage often resulted to the articles. In other devices the motion was so placid that even if it were possible eventually to obtain a good finish, the time required for the operation was prohibitive. Similarly, the motion was often uneven so that uniformity of finish among the mass of articles was seldom achieved. In this regard, it has been determined that the most efficient finishing is obtained when the mixture is caused to revolve circularly within the drum.

It is therefore an important object of this invention to provide a vibratory polishing and de-burring device in which a positive revolving action of the mixture of articles and media is achieved simultaneously with the vibratory action.

In prior vibratory devices, the vibrating mechanism invariably comprised some type of rotating eccentric which was journalled in a supporting frame. Connected to the eccentric and/ or supporting frame was a pair of rigid bracket or clamp sections. then journalled through these clamp sections. Because of the described double trunnion type of construction, the vibrating motion was thus transmitted to the drum indirectly through the clamp sections. This double trunnion type of construction resulted not only in a more The drum itself was expensive and complicated device, but also in a substantial loss of efficiency.

It is therefore another important object of the invention to afford a vibratory device of the character described in which the vibrating motion is transmitted directly from the vibrating mechanism to the drum, thereby eliminating the double trunnion principle.

A further object is to provide a vibratory device of the character described in which the vibrating mechanism 3,037,327 Patented June 5, 1962 2 is positioned through a central portion of the drum and connected directly thereto.

Still another object is to afford a vibratory device of the character described in which the vibrating mechanism comprises a completely self-contained unit. Thus, the vibrating mechanism may be removably attached to the drum and removed or replaced as a unit.

Still a further object is to provide a vibratory device of the character described in which the vibrating mechanism may be operated at higher speeds than heretofore possible, thereby speeding up the entire finishing operation.

Yet another object is to afford a vibratory device of the character described'in which the self-contained vibrating mechanism includes bearings and an oil reservoir so that the same is self-lubricating.

Yet a further object is to provide a vibratory device of the character described in which the vibrating mechanism may be readily adjusted to vary the amplitude of vibration.

Another object is to afford a vibratory device 'of the character described which is of simple and relatively inexpensive construction and yet is most efficient in operation and most readily serviced and maintained.

With the foregoing and other objects in view which will appear as the description proceeds, the invention consists of certain novel features of construction, arrangement and a combination of parts hereinafter fully described, illustrated in the accompanying drawings, and particularly pointed out in the appended claims, it being understood that various changes in the form, proportion, size and minor details of the structure may be made without departing from the spirit or sacrificing any of the advantages of the invention.

F or the purpose of facilitating an understanding of my invention, I have illustrated in the accompanying draw ings a preferred embodiment thereof, from an inspection of which, when considered in connection with the following descr-iption, my invention, its mode of construction, assembly and operation, and many of its advantages should be readily understood and appreciated.

Referring to the drawings in which the same characters of reference are employed to indicate corresponding or similar parts throughout the several figures of the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vibratory device embodying the principles of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary sectional view taken substantially on the plane of irregular line 22 in FIG. 1 and viewed in the direction indicated;

FIG. 3 is a partially sectional and end elevational view taken on the plane of line 3--3 in FIG. 2 and viewed in the direction indicated; 7

FIG. 4 is an enlarged fragmentary side elevational view showing an end of the vibrating unit, with portions being broken away to show certain details of construction;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged fragmentary sectional view showing the detailed construction of the vibrating unit and the method of connecting the same to the drum;

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary exploded perspective view of the frame supporting elements; and

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the self-contained vibrating unit.

Referring now to FIG. 1 of the drawings, the reference numeral 10, indicates generally an improved vibratory device embodying the principles of the invention. The supporting structure for the device 10 may include a pair of standards 12, 12 and a generally rectangular angle iron frame such as 14 mounted thereon. The frame 14 may include a pair of upright side plates such as 16, 16. A funnel chute 18 may be secured to the bottom of the frame 14 for purposes which will be hereinafter described.

Supported between the side plates 16 in a manner which will subsequently be described in detail is a tub or drum 20. The drum 20 may be of any suitable shape, but preferably includes a pair of vertical side walls 22, 22 and an arcuate bottom wall 24. The drum 20 includes a removable cover 26 which may be secured thereto by any suitable means such as the bolts 28 and cooperating ears 30. The bottom wall 24 is formed with one or more drainage or discharge openings (see FIGS. 2 and 3) such as 32 and 34, and threaded caps such as 36 and 38 may be provided for removably closing said openings.

As seen in FIGS. 2 and 5, the drum 20 is provided with a central cylindrical core 40, said core connecting the side walls 22. Secured to each of the side walls 22 as by welding, and encircling the core 40 is an annular mounting ring 42 (see FIGS. 3 and 5). It is important to note that the mounting rings 42 have a conical bore 44 which tapers inwardly. The importance of this construction will become apparent as the description proceeds.

Turning now to FIGS. 5 and 7, the self-contained vibrating unit is indicated generally by the reference numeral 46. The unit 46 comprises an elongated outer tube 48. Secured to each end of the outer tube 48, as by welding, or the like, is a flange ring 50. The flange ring 50 receives the outer race 52 of a bearing assembly 54. The inner race 56 of the bearing assembly '54 is received by an eccentric bushing 58. An eccentric enlarged portion 60 of a stud shaft 62 is snugly fitted within the inner :bore of the bushing 58.

The facing stubs 64 of the stud shafts 62 are connected together by a tubular shaft extension 66 thereby integrating both shaft assemblies into a single unit. A barrier ring 68 may be secured within the outer tube 48 adjacent each end thereof to provide reservoir areas for retaining lubricating oil 0. The lubricating oil is thus available to the bearing assemblies 54 at all times during operation.

To operationally mount the vibrating unit 46 within the drum core 40, a wedge-shaped split anchor ring 72 is inserted between the flange rings 50 and the mounting rings 42. It will be noted that the anchor ring 72 has an inclined face 74 which is opposed to the conical bore 44 of the mounting ring 42 thereby insuring an eflicient circumferential clamping action. The anchor rings 72 are preferably made of metal, but may also be made of any noncompressible material which readily transmits vibratory waves without any appreciable damping thereof.

A pair of disc rings 76 is employed to lock the vibrating unit 46 in operational position. Each of the disc rings 76 is formed with a plurality of apertured radially spaced ears 78, said ears adapted to be aligned with a plurality of threaded openings formed in the mounting ring 42 whereby the disc ring may be connected to the mounting ring as by the ear bolts 80 (see FIGS. 4 and Each of the disc rings 76 is similarly formed with a plurality of inwardly positioned radially spaced threaded openings through which are threaded pressure bolts such as 82. As seen in FIG. 5, the pressure bolts 82 are in alignment with and impinge against the anchor ring 72. The inner surface of the disc rings 76 is undercut as at 84 to permit sutficient clearance for the projection of the anchor ring 76 before the latter is forced into ultimate Wedge-tight condition. In actual practice, the disc rings 76 are placed into position after the anchor rings 72 have been loosely inserted, and the ear bolts 80 then tightened into place. The bearing of the pressure bolts 82 against the anchor rings 72 will thus automatically force the said rings inwardly. Thereafter, the pressure bolts 32 may be tightened until the desired complete wedging condition is achieved. Locknuts such as 86 are provided for insuring the retention of this wedge tight adjustment.

The disc rings 76 are provided with a central annular skirt flange 88 having an annular groove in which is seated an oil seal ring 90 of elastic wear resistant material. The seal ring 90 presses against an oil seal washer 92 which is held in position by a spanner type nut 94 screwed onto the threaded outer sleeve of the bushing 58. There is thus provided an oil seal for retaining the oil 0 during operation of the device.

To appreciate the operation of the vibrating unit 46, it is most important to note that as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5 of the drawings, the apices of eccentricity of the bushing 58 and enlarged portion 60 are exactly opposed so that the same cancel each other out. Thus, if the device were operated in this condition, the stud shafts 62 would rotate about the true center axis of the flange rings 50, and there would be substantially no gyratory motion produced. However, when the relative positions of the eccentricities of the bushing 58 and enlarged portion 60 are changed, the center line of the stud shaft 62 is moved out of alignment with the center axis of the flange ring 50. Upon rotation of the stud shafts 62 in the last described condition, a gyration thereof will be produced.

At the outset of rotation, the described gyration will be on the part of the stud shaft 62 and its associated parts about the true center axis of the flange ring 50. However, when sufficient speed of rotation is achieved, the gyration is transmitted to the drum 20 and the stud shafts 62 assume simple rotation. As already described, the relative positions of the bushing 58 and enlarged portion 60 may be changed to vary the eccentricity therebetween. The maximum amount of eccentricity is of course achieved when the two apices are exactly aligned. It will of course be appreciated that the amplitude of the gyratory motion may thus be readily increased or decreased as required for any particular operation.

As previously indicated, the prior devices were generally constructed on the double trunnion principle so that the gyratory motion of the eccentric was transmitted indirectly to the drum. It should by now be apparent, however, that the gyratory motion of my stud shafts 62 and bushings '58 is transmitted directly to the drum 20 through the completely rigid assembly of the flange rings 50, anchor rings 72 and mounting rings 42. Thus, in further departure from the prior devices, the outer tube 48 of the vibrating unit 46 which might be compared to the rotating eccentric shaft of the prior devices, is stationary and does not rotate at all. There is thus produced a most efficient and gentle circular motion of the mixture of media and articles within the drum 20. To further insure against any possible damage to the articles being finished, the inside of the drum and the core 40 may be coated with a suitable shock absorbent liner 95 (see FIG. 5) of rubber, plastic, or the like.

To firmly maintain the desired adjusted amount of eccentricity between the bushing 58 and enlarged portion 60, the outer face of the bushing may be provided with a plurality of spaced threaded holes 96. Into said holes 96 may be threaded securing bolts such as 98 which pass through a concentric counterweight 100. The counterweight 100 is mounted on the stud shaft 62 and may be secured thereto by any suitable means such as keying or the wedge ring 102 illustrated.

The counterweight 100 is provided with a plurality of weight laminations 104 which are positioned in alignment with the apex of eccentricity of the enlarged portion 60. The weight laminations 104 are thus always positioned in opposed relationship with the direction of displacement of the center line of the stud shaft 62 from the true center axis of the flange ring 50. The number and/or mass of the weight laminations 104 may be ad justed as required by the particular weight of the drum 20 and its contents, and said laminations may be stacked upon a pair of off-radial headed bolts 106. The bolts 106 may carry measured compression springs 108 so that the mass center of the counter weight laminations will move radially outward as the speed of rotation increases. Thus, the above described transfer of gyration from the stud shafts 62 to the drum 20 occurs earlier during the rotation acceleration.

Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 6 of the drawings, the novel means for connecting the drum 20 and associated vibrating unit 46 to the frame will be described. Secured to the frame 14 on either side of the drum 20 is a pair of shock absorbent mounting members such as 110, 110. Mounted on each pair of mounting members 110 is an angle bar 112 to which is secured the bottom portion 114 of a split bearing member 113. Associated with the bottom portion 114 is a cooperating upper portion 116 and tie bolts such as 118. As seen in FIGS. 4 and 5, the split bearing member 113 is used as a form of vise clamp to securely lock the mounting ring 42 therein. A pillow block stand 120 is likewise mounted on the frame 14 on either side of the drum 20. A pillow block 122 is mounted on each of said stands 120, and the stud shafts 62 are journalled therethrough.

It will be noted that when the tie bolts 118 are loosened, the drum 20 may be rotated to any desired position. Thus, for example, in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 the drum 20 is set so that the same is pitched forwardly from the upright position. In this position, the drainage opening 34 is at the vertical bottom of the drum 20 and over the funnel chute 18. Obviously, the drum 20 may likewise be set in the upright position whereupon the drainage opening 32 may then be used. Thus, the positioning of the drum 20 may be varied depending upon the size of the articles and media particles in any particular operation. Similarly, one or more of the drainage openings may be provided with screens or filters of varying sizes (not shown). It will further be appreciated that if desired, the cover 22 may be removed and the entire contents of the drum 20 dumped out of the top thereof after the completion of the finishing operation.

To operate the device, there is secured to the end of one of the stud shafts 62, as by means of a wedge ring 124, a pulley wheel 126. Threaded over the pulley wheel 126 is an endless drive belt 128 which is connected to a variable speed motor 130. As seen in FIGS. 1 and 3, the motor 130 may be suitably mounted on the frame 14. Protective housings such as 132 may be removably mounted on the frame 14 for encasing the protruding elements of the vibrating unit 46.

From the above description and drawings, it should be apparent that I have provided a most novel and efiicient vibratory device. The gyratory motion of the vibrating mechanism 46 is transmitted directly to the drum 20 to produce the desired circular motion of the mixture within the drum. The customary double trunnion type of construction has thus been eliminated. The amplitude of the gyratory motion may be adjusted as required. In addi tion, the vibrating unit 46 is completely self-contained so that the same may be readily removed as a unit for purposes of servicing or replacement.

It is believed that my invention, its mode of construction and assembly, and many of its advantages should be readily understood from the foregoing without further description, and it should also be manifest that while a preferred embodiment of the invention has been shown and described for illustrative purposes, the structural details are nevertheless capable of wide variation within the purview of my invention as defined in the appended claims.

What I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent of the United States is:

l. A vibratory polishing and de-burring device comprising a drum having a pair of side walls, a hollow cylindrical core positioned longitudinally through said drum 1 and connecting said side walls, an annular mounting ring secured to each of said side walls and encircling said core, a self-contained vibrating unit, means for operationally and removably mounting said vibrating unit in said mounting rings, and connecting means for mounting said drum and operationally mounted vibrating unit on a supporting frame so that upon operation of said vibrating unit the vibratory motion thereof is transmitted directly to said drum through said mounting rings, said vibrating unit comprising an outer tube, a flange ring secured to each end of said outer tube in registry with said mounting rings, an eccentric bushing journaled to rotate within each of said flange rings, and a shaft having an eccentric enlarged portion adjacent each end thereof snugly fitted within said bushings, said enlarged portions being adjustably securable Within said bushings to vary the degree of eccentricity therebetween and thereby vary the amplitude of vibration of said vibrating unit.

2. The vibratory polishing and de-burring device of claim 1 in which said first-mentioned means comprises a non-compressible split anchor ring removably positionable between each of said mounting rings and related flange ring, said anchor rings having an inclined face, said mounting rings having an inwardly tapering bore in opposition to said inclined face, said inclined faces and tapering bores cooperating to secure said vibrating unit in said mounting rings in operational wedge-tight condition.

3. The vibratory polishing and de burring device of claim 2 in which a disc ring is removably secured to each of said mounting rings, a plurality of pressure bolts threaded through said disc rings in alignment with said anchor rings, said pressure bolts adjustable to effect and maintain said wedge-tight condition.

4. The vibratory polishing and de-burring device of claim 3 in which a barrier ring is secured within said outer tube adjacent each of said bushings to afford a pair of lubricating oil reservoirs, and sealing means are provided on said bushings and disc rings to retain lubricating oil in said vibrating unit.

5..The vibratory polishing and de-burring device of claim 3 in which a counterweight ring is secured to said shaft adjacent each end thereof in abutting relationship with said bushings, a plurality of locking bolts positioned through a series of openings in said counterweight rings, said locking bolts threadable into threaded openings in the outer face of said bushings for securing any desired degree of eccentricity between said bushings and enlarged shaft portions.

6. The vibratory polishing and de-burring device of claim 5 in which a plurality of headed bolts are attached to said counterweight rings, a compression spring mounted on each of said headed bolts and a plurality of weight l-aminations stacked on said headed bolts whereby said weight laminations move radially outwardly upon operation of said vibrating unit.

7. The vibratory polishing and de-burring device of claim 1 in which said connecting means comprises a split bearing member secured to said supporting frame adjacent each of said side walls, tie bolts associated with said split bearing members, said tie bolts and split bearing members cooperating to afiord a vice clamp for securely clamping said mounting rings therein whereby said drum may be clamped into any desired position.

8. In a vibratory polishing and de-burring device including a drum having a pair of side walls and a hollow cylindrical core positioned longitudinally therethrough and connecting said side walls; an annular mounting ring secured to each of said side walls and encircling said core, and a self-contained vibrating unit removably mounted in said mounting rings, said vibrating unit comprising an outer tube, a flange ring secured to each end of said outer tube in registry with said mounting rings, an eccentric bushing journaled to rotate within each of said flange rings, and a shaft having an eccentric enlarged portion adjacent each end thereof snugly fitted within said bushings, said enlarged portions being adjustably securable within said bushings to vary the degree of eccentricity therebetween and thereby vary the amplitude of vibration of said vibrating unit.

9. In the device of claim 8, means for removably mounting said vibrating unit in said mounting rings, said means comprising a non-compressible split anchor ring removably positionable between each of said mounting 7 rings and related flange ring, said anchor rings having an inclined face, said mounting rings having an inwardly tapering bore in opposition to said inclined face, said inclined faces and tapering bores cooperating to secure said vibrating unit in said mounting rings in operational Wedgetight condition.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 

